Oklahoma women outlast Alabama 79-71 in Tuscaloosa as fourth-quarter defense and rebounding decide result

Oklahoma controls the glass and closes late to beat Alabama in ranked SEC matchup

Oklahoma defeated Alabama 79-71 on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, using a decisive fourth quarter to secure a road win between ranked Southeastern Conference teams. Oklahoma entered the game ranked No. 10 and Alabama No. 23.

Raegan Beers led Oklahoma with 21 points, and Payton Verhulst added 17. Freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez finished with 15 points, six rebounds and six assists, including nine points in the fourth quarter as Oklahoma responded after Alabama briefly seized momentum in the second half.

How the game turned: Alabama’s third-quarter run, Oklahoma’s fourth-quarter response

Oklahoma built multiple double-digit leads but could not fully separate, as Alabama repeatedly cut the margin to one possession in stretches. Alabama’s most significant swing came in the third quarter, when the Crimson Tide used an 18-4 run to take a 57-54 lead—its first advantage since early in the opening period.

Oklahoma stabilized in the final quarter by limiting Alabama’s shot-making and controlling the possessions that followed. Alabama made three of its final 15 shots after the third-quarter surge and scored 11 points in the fourth, while Oklahoma won the quarter 21-11 to close out the game.

Oklahoma’s late-game margin was built on stops, second-chance opportunities and timely scoring after Alabama’s third-quarter lead.

Stat lines and style points: turnovers, free throws, and second chances

Oklahoma overcame several efficiency challenges. The Sooners shot 23% from 3-point range and 58% at the free-throw line, and they committed 19 turnovers that led to 15 Alabama points. Despite those issues, Oklahoma generated extra possessions through rebounding and converted them into points.

• Oklahoma recorded 14 offensive rebounds, producing 19 second-chance points.
• Oklahoma finished plus-20 in total rebounds, a margin that helped offset turnovers and missed free throws.
• Alabama’s scoring was balanced, with six players reaching at least eight points, but the offense slowed late.

For Alabama, Ta’Mia Scott scored 17 points, while Jessica Timmons and Ace Austin added 11 points apiece. The Crimson Tide’s depth kept the game close through three quarters, but Oklahoma’s fourth-quarter execution and rebounding edge proved decisive.

What’s next on the schedule

Oklahoma’s next game is a road matchup at Georgia on Thursday. Alabama returns home Thursday to host No. 3 South Carolina, continuing a stretch of high-profile SEC opponents.